Kean University is leading a transformative initiative to revitalize the historic Coalport neighborhood in Trenton, through the Coalport Neighborhood Revitalization Planning Project.
With a $750,000 federal grant, the two-year project — led by Kean’s John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research and the Michael Graves College School of Public Architecture — focuses on the community-driven redevelopment of the neighborhood.
The project’s objectives are to address key challenges in the Coalport neighborhood, including affordable housing, economic and employment opportunities, improved public spaces and stronger connections to surrounding areas. The university’s collaborative approach involves engaging residents in the planning process, ensuring their input shapes the development of the revitalization plan. This partnership upholds Kean’s mission as an anchor institution and New Jersey’s urban research university, committed to having a positive impact in communities statewide.
Kean’s interdisciplinary teams are making tangible progress in the planning phase. The Michael Graves College School of Public Architecture is developing 3D models of the area and conducting site analyses to visualize potential improvements, while the Watson Institute is using its expertise to gather input from the community and guide the process. Additionally, The Practice of Democracy, a research organization specializing in economic and environmental resilience, is conducting detailed studies of local market conditions, infrastructure, and governance to inform the project’s direction.
The revitalization plan is expected to generate measurable impacts for the Coalport community and beyond. The initiative will provide valuable research and educational opportunities for Kean students, while also contributing to the economic growth and social vitality of the neighborhood. The project’s focus on public spaces and community connections aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and create new pathways for employment and entrepreneurship.
With a comprehensive resource assessment, redevelopment strategies and community engagement, the project is already shaping a vision for the future of Coalport. As work progresses, Kean University is playing a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among local partners and supporting the long-term revitalization of this historic Trenton neighborhood, creating a healthier, more vibrant community for years to come.
